Translated from Hungarian, the basics are they will be a single car entry for Norbi and will not be eligible for the Yokohama trophy due to the Honda factory support. The lack of the development of the BMW was a reason for the switch, the teams rely entirely on the manufacturers providing updates which they can’t do themselves due to the cost. The S2000 regulations are after all a watered down version of the old Super Touring regs. The factory tie up might also mean they get the 2014 updates provided for them for the new regulations. Bigger tyres, bigger bodywork and more aero; where have I seen that before, Mr Gow?

Anybody know if the Maserati Trofeo cup is running again in support races for WTCC? I mentioned somewhere before but I saw the series last year at Sonoma and the Maserati’s were not only quicker than the touring cars but their exhaust note is fantastic. (racing was better quality for sure though in touring cars)

So 7 weeks before the start of the season we so far have 12 cars confirmed for the season opening Race of Italy while the BTCC so far has 22 cars confirmed for Brands Hatch a week later. It does tend to be around February that a lot of WTCC entries get announced though, there are still drivers like Huff, Muller, Menu, Coronel, D’Aste and Oriola who haven’t got anything confirmed yet.

@robk23 Thank you a lot for the updates! While only one free race seat is available in F1 for 2013, we still don’t know how many cars are going to participate in the 2013 WTCC season and if the current world champion Huff and the multiple world champion Muller will be on the grid at all. Muller has promised to announce his 2013 plans soon and Huff says he has many options, too.

The clear title favourite has to be Tarquini. I would expect the likes of Monteiro, Michelisz and Coronel to be nearer the front too from what we’ve got so far. Depending on how the Lada project is getting on (they’ve been testing and developing the car for nearly a year) then Thommo might throw up a few surprises. Best finish of 2012, 11th in Portugal in a car which has since done a lot more test mileage.

As for the Yokohama Trophy, we need to figure out who will be eligible. Tarquini, Monteiro, Thommo and Dudukalo are works entries so they are out. Winkelhock won’t be in as he has raced in F1 and Coronel has F1 testing experience so he’s out too. Michelisz won’t be in as Zengo are getting support from Honda.